Tokyo Rejects ‘New Militarism’ Accusations, Targets China’s Military Expansion

Japan’s Minister of Defence, Shinjiro Koizumi, has firmly dismissed Beijing’s allegations that Tokyo is pursuing a "new militarism," instead pointing to China’s vast military stockpile and opacity as the primary sources of international anxiety. Speaking on the final day of a defence summit in Singapore, Koizumi delivered one of the sharpest responses yet from Japan regarding China’s persistent criticisms of Tokyo’s military enhancements under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The diplomatic friction stems from a deep historical rift, rooted in Japan’s invasion of China during World War II. Just prior to the Singapore gathering, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China’s National Defence Ministry, issued a stark warning. He described the "grey rhino of a remilitarised Japan" as gaining momentum and urged the global community to unite in containing what he termed "neo-militarism."

In response, Koizumi argued that it is actually China and its "huge arsenal" that warrant serious concern from the world. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, he asserted that it is "only natural" for nations, including Japan, to modernize their defensive capabilities to address emerging threats and foster regional stability. Addressing an audience of Asian officials—many from nations previously occupied by Japan during the war—Koizumi pledged that Japan would operate with "a high degree of transparency" and maintain continuous dialogue with its neighbors.

"What are we developing these capabilities for? And based on what thinking? Japan will move forward while making a clear explanation to the international community," Koizumi stated. He rejected the characterization of Japan’s policies as militaristic, calling the label "nothing further from the truth."

"There's a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers," he noted, implicitly referencing China. "Japan has neither of these weapons. And yet Japan is labelled [with] 'new militarism'. Isn't it strange?"

The debate over transparency followed a pointed question from a Chinese military representative, who asked if Japan would issue an apology to China, South Korea, and other Southeast Asian victims of World War II. Koizumi avoided a direct answer to the apology request, instead turning his focus back to Beijing’s military activities.

"China continues to increase its defence spending at a high level and is rapidly expanding its military capabilities across a wide range of areas without sufficient transparency," Koizumi said. "China's external approach and military activities are matters of serious concern for Japan and the international community." Despite the tensions, he added that "Japan's door is always open" for communication with China.

Historical apologies remain a contentious issue in Sino-Japanese relations. While Koizumi’s father, former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, issued multiple apologies during his tenure, China has frequently criticized past apologies as inadequate.

Since taking office in October 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi has accelerated efforts to strengthen national defence. Japan has raised its defence budget for twelve consecutive years, setting new records. The latest budget, approved by the cabinet in December, exceeds 9 trillion yen ($57bn; £42bn), bringing the country closer to its goal of allocating 2% of its GDP to military spending.

Tokyo maintains that these increases are defensive in nature and not aimed at seeking war. Under the new financial framework, Japan plans to invest in surface-to-ship missiles and unmanned drones for land and underwater deployment. Additionally, the government has relaxed regulations to permit the export of lethal weapons, a move designed to bolster the domestic defence industry. Key security documents are also scheduled for revision by the end of the year.

Further complicating relations, Takaichi has advocated for amending Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, a pacifist provision that renounces war. Tensions between the two nations have recently peaked, notably in November when Beijing objected to remarks made by Takaichi.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-31 06:34:04 UTC